A Bengaluru court on Tuesday issued summons to the senior BJP leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa directing him to appear before it for the trial in the case against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) [CID Vs BS Yedyiruppa and ors].

Judge S Sujatha held that there will be no prejudice caused to the accused if the matter is posted for early appearance and accordingly directed issuance of summons to all four accused in the case.

The cognizance in the matter was taken on July 4, 2024, but later set aside by the High Court in February 2025 before the matter was remanded.

After multiple rounds of litigation and interim stays, the High Court on November 13, 2025, finally upheld the order taking cognizance and issuing summons, clearing the way for the trial to proceed.

The High Court had recently dismissed two separate petitions filed by Yeddyurappa, Y M Aruna, M Rudresh and G Mariswamy seeking quashing of the summons issued by the sessions court in Bengaluru.

Judge Sujatha took note of the same and held,

“As the Hon’ble High Court has confirmed the order of taking cognizance and issuing summons to accused Nos.1 to 4, and as per Section 35 of the POCSO Act the evidence of the child shall be recorded within 30 days of cognizance, the court can now proceed with the matter and issue an order for early appearance of the accused persons.”

The case is listed for December 2 for their appearance.

The State has meanwhile sought advancement of the next hearing, stressing that Section 35 of the POCSO Act mandates swift recording of the child victim’s evidence and early conclusion of the trial timelines which have already been exceeded.